Indonesia’s collaborative patrols enhance maritime security
Gusty Da Costa
Indonesia’s Navy and Maritime Security Agency, which performs functions similar to a coast guard, will conduct more joint patrols in the country’s territorial waters, partnering with other maritime security agencies. The initiative highlights the critical role of such patrols in countering maritime threats.
The 2024 Joint Patrol Operation, which ran from March to June, served to sharpen the collaborative capabilities of Indonesia’s maritime security forces. The 100-day mission targeted key areas, including the Malacca and Singapore straits, and the north and west coasts of Aceh province at the northwestern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. A similar patrol in early 2023 involved the Indonesian Navy, maritime police and the Maritime Security Agency, known as Bakamla, among other agencies.
In July 2024, Indonesian Navy Rear Adm. Ariantyo Condrowibowo, commander of the 2nd Fleet Command, known as Koarmada II, and First Adm. Ferry Supriady, policy director for Bakamla, discussed upcoming security and safety patrols. They also emphasized the importance of partnership in ensuring the integrity of Indonesia’s 3.1 million-square-kilometer maritime zone, which spans a significant portion of the world’s most critical sea lanes, according to a statement.
“Koarmada II will always be ready to support Bakamla … in maintaining the security of Indonesia’s maritime territory,” Ariantyo stated.
Navy Vice Adm. Denih Hendrata also noted the success of the recent joint patrol, citing the detaining of a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier suspected of lacking crew documentation as it sailed near the Indonesian island of Buru.
The joint patrols address threats such as smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing and territorial incursions, Marcellus Hakeng Jayawibawa, an Indonesian maritime expert and civilian ship captain, told FORUM.
“These collaborative patrols are designed to improve detection and response capabilities to maritime threats and optimize the use of resources,” he said, noting their role in upholding sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region.
“The Navy, with its combat capabilities, focuses on military and semi-military threats, while Bakamla is responsible for law enforcement at sea, including the prevention of illegal fishing, smuggling and boundary violations by foreign vessels,” Marcellus said. The division of duties enables a more comprehensive and coordinated response, enhancing the overall security framework.
Technological advancements are crucial in supporting the patrols, he said. Radar, automatic identification systems and remote sensing enable real-time monitoring and early detection of suspicious activities. Additionally, the integration of uncrewed aerial vehicles provides flexible and rapid surveillance, further strengthening Indonesia’s maritime security apparatus.
Challenges remain, such as differing procedures and priorities among participating agencies, said Siswanto Rusdi, executive director of Indonesia’s National Maritime Institute. “These challenges can, however, be mitigated through joint training, development of standard operating protocols and the utilization of advanced communication technologies,” he said.
Gusty Da Costa is a FORUM contributor based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
